U.S. Consul General Brian Heath welcomed 200 new students to the U.S. Embassy’s Access English-language training program. iEARN Pakistan Executive Director Farah Kamal, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Mark Kendrick and U.S. Consulate Cultural Attaché Priscilla Guzman and 100 Access alumni also attended the opening ceremony at the Indus Hotel in Hyderabad.
The students, which began their English classes in November 2014, received certificates bearing the signature of U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Richard G. Olson. This two-year English Access Microscholarship program (one of four currently underway in Sindh) will benefit 200 talented 13-17 year-olds from underprivileged communities in Hyderabad.
“I am happy to be here in Hyderabad to celebrate this opening ceremony with all of you,” said Mr. Heath. “Today, you officially join the Access family. This year, there are more than 5,000 of you in Pakistan alone.”
Access enables students to not only develop their English communication skills, but also gain invaluable leadership, critical thinking, and public speaking skills. “You are going to be exposed to new information and ideas that will show you the world and what you can do to make it a better place for yourself, for your families, and for your country,” said Mr. Heath.
The two-year English Access Microscholarship Program is an after-school English language proficiency program for talented 13-17 year-olds from disadvantaged communities. Since 2004, more than 100,000 students in 85 countries have participated, and there are more than 10,000 alumni in Pakistan. There are no course fees, and books, learning materials, stationery, and book bags are also provided free to students.
For more information about U.S. government English language programs in Pakistan, please click here
